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Source: ONE News -
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The tino rangatiratanga flag flew alongside the New Zealand flag on government buildings on Saturday.
The move's sparked debate in main centres over whether to follow suit.
Protestors in Hamilton made clear their thoughts on the flag debate too.
Waitangi celebrations in the city started smoothly, but a small group of protesters brought along their own flags to make a point.
They want a new national flag and burnt the New Zealand flag in protest.
The situation quickly became heated with members of the public remonstrating with the protestors.
Jack Gielen of the New Zealand Republican Party was resonsible for the flag burning and claims the New Zealand flag is a fictitious creation that bears no relation to people in New Zealand today?
Further south the flag raising was more peaceful.
The tino rangatiratanga and New Zealand flags hoisted side by side on parliament grounds and on the Auckland harbour bridge
In Manukau it hasn't been smooth sailing. The council divided over whether to fly the Maori flag today..
"I don't think that if a Maori sovereignty flag was flying on the flagpoles that it would last the whole day because it stands for division and seperatism," says councillor Jamie-Lee Ross.
However, councillor Efu Koka disagrees. "You could look at it being divisive, but we should have flown it anyway, and let the Maori people decide through consultation," says Koka
It was eventually put to a vote and in the end the Manakau City cCouncil flew no flag at all.
They say it's because Waitangi Day's fallen on a Saturday, and having no flag is normal weekend protocol
The flag debate is one the council may not have to deal with
next year either as Waitangi Day falls on a Sunday.
Do you have any images from Waitangi Day commemorations?
Send them to tvnz.co.nz at
interactivenews@tvnz.co.nz
How do you spend your Waitangi Day? What does our National Day
mean to you? Share in the conversation on our Message Board
below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentahastings said on 2010-02-08 @ 09:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a discusting act by that republican man, and that is why he is a republican because he has no morals or standards by burning the flag and dressing up like an idiot. this man should be arrested and held accountable for burning a flag that means alot to me and all New Zealanders especially those who have fought under our flag
pridepassionpower said on 2010-02-08 @ 00:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
I care about the NZ flag being burnt, it really hurts me to see that, how about I burn yours in your face? I just wonder that if I carry on like an idiot and burn flags and become lazy that maybe I might get attention from the govt as well? Just a thought. BRING ON NZ DAY! ONE NATION!
ilightenall said on 2010-02-07 @ 06:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm still buzzing from the Waitangi day celebration held here in Perth. Thousands attended for a day of unity and sharing in our unique Kiwi culture. Kiwi Hot Dogs, whitebait fritters, hangi, L&p with homegrown music and craft stalls, Maori and Pakeha simply celebrating being Kiwi.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 04:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Littlewood Treaty original version gives me my right to claim "my" land back & restore what has been taken from me without my prior say-so. Who do I gotta fight first & can i bring my Mum.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 03:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Foreshore & seabed issue, ultimately the country is governed by a govt,part of that is protection from invasion by anything, given the ownership goes to a non-govt entity,where are the rights if any of our constitution. As it stands now,if you have a problem with your employer & your Moari & want to take them to court,it can be done through treaty claims,according to legal services agency.Does this really mean seperatism or the justifiable return of life by an inheritad old fashioned system.